Procedures
What distinguishes endourology from traditional urology is that all procedures are done internally, without any extensive incisions. Endourology is also known as minimally invasive urologic surgery or laparoscopic surgery.
Endourology, for example, can be used to locate and remove small kidney stones.
Stones may be taken out or fragmented using tiny instruments inserted into the body through such areas the urethra, bladder, and ureter. In addition to treatment, doctors can help determine what is causing the kidney stones and help identify ways to prevent further stones from forming. Thin, flexible instruments including lasers, graspers, miniature stone retrieval baskets, special scalpels, and cautery, can be used to perform surgery without creating any incisions at all. Nearly all endoscopic procedures can be done on an outpatient basis.